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Volume 20, Issue 9 | Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Greeks on Parade!

The Order of AHEPA was honored to actively participate in multiple parades & events celebrating the 205th Anniversary of Greek Independence Day in the last two weeks!

Chicago, Illinois

On April 19th, AHEPA Supreme President Chris Kaitson joined Sons of Pericles Supreme President Basilios Ronstadt and Maids of Athena Grand President Stephanie Owens to support the AHEPA families of Districts 12 and 13 as they marched in Chicago’s annual Greek Independence Day parade. Hosted by the Federation of Hellenic American Organizations of Illinois (ENOSIS), the celebration played host to the Evzones for the first time in nearly a decade! Joining the presidents of our order as they paraded down South Halsted street through Chicago’s historic Greektown were DOP Grand Treasurer Effie Kirkiles and multiple representatives from the AHEPA families in both districts.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Greek Independence Day Celebrations began in Philadelphia on Friday, April 24th with a flag raising ceremony at City Hall’s North Apron. President Kaitson, along with Past Supreme President and Board of Trustees Vice Chairman George G. Horiates and DOP Grand President Antoinette Marousis-Zachariades, attended the event that marked the start of a weekend of celebration. They were joined by District 4 Governor Tim Vlassopoulos and other members of the District 4 and 5 AHEPA Family.  On Saturday evening, the Supreme President had the opportunity to address over 700 attendees of the annual Eleftheria Gala, the signature black-tie dinner and fundraiser hosted by the Federation of Hellenic American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley. The night featured special presentations honoring Hellenic heritage and excellence. This year's honorees included Steve Kontos, recipient of the Eleftheria Medal of Freedom, and several distinguished community leaders. The master of ceremonies for the evening was Mike Emanuel, who will also serve as emcee of the AHEPA Biennial Congressional Banquet next month, and the evening's entertainment featured international Greek artist Christina Miliou.  During his address, the Supreme President initiated the countdown to the AHEPA Supreme Convention in Philadelphia from July 26-31, 2026.

AHEPA Supreme Vice President Zenon Christodoulou, Supreme Secretary Themistocles Frangos, and MOA Grand Treasurer Athina Economou joined the AHEPA Family of Districts 4 and 5 on Sunday to march in the parade. PSP George G. Horiates and DOP District 4 Governor Georgia Chlectos also served as honorary Grand Marshals of this year’s parade.

New York, New York

Supreme President Kaitson, along with Supreme Governor Dean Moskos, Supreme Counselor Ted Stamas, Chairman of the AHEPA Foundation Nicholas A. Karacostas, PSP, Supreme Advisor to the SOP Ted Vittas and SOP Supreme Governor Panagiotis Kotsalis joined members of the District 6 AHEPA Family in celebrating Greek Independence Day in New York City. Hosted by the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, the parade celebrated the 205th Anniversary of Greek Independence alongside the 250th Anniversary of The Declaration of Independence. AHEPA Member Louis Katsos served as Chairman of the 2026 Greek Independence Day Committee.   The night before, the Greek-American community of New York came together for the Annual Greek Independence Day Gala, held at Cipriani. Supreme Governor Dean Moskos, Supreme Counselor Ted Stamas, and Past Supreme President Savas C. Tsivicos joined District 6 Governor Gus Constantine and other members of his lodge in representing AHEPA at this event that celebrated our shared Hellenic heritage, freedom, culture, and the enduring spirit of Greece.

Theros Finishes London Marathon

Congratulations to Supreme Governor Craig Theros, who, on April 26th, participated in the 36th running of the London Marathon in London, England. The London Marathon is one of seven World Major Marathon events, of which Brother Craig has participated in five of so far. He finished his tenth marathon with an impressive time of 4:26:32.  Congratulations Brother Craig!

AHEPA Veterans Honored in Pensacola

AHEPA Supreme Governor Steve Nickolson had the opportunity to attend the District 1 Convention in Pensacola, Florida, and preside over a ceremony that honored active AHEPA Veterans in attendance with the AHEPA Veterans Medal. The AHEPA Veterans Medal recognizes members who have served with distinction in the United States Armed Forces. It was a fitting tribute in Pensacola — home to Naval Air Station Pensacola, the "Cradle of Naval Aviation," and one of America's most storied military communities — where respect for those who serve runs deep in the city's identity. "Recognizing our brothers who have worn the uniform is one of the greatest privileges of this office," said Supreme Governor Nickolson. Their service reflects the highest ideals of our Order and our nation.

Kaitson Visits El Camino Real District 20

Supreme President Chris Kaitson recently paid a visit to George Polos Chapter 505 and San Diego Chapter 223, both located in the San Diego, California region. Accompanied by Supreme Secretary Themistocles Frangos, Supreme Governor George McClure, and District 20 Governor Andrew J. Eliopulos, he led a ceremony to initiate eleven new members into our Order. Additionally, Kaitson acknowledged Chapter members with over fifty years of service and dedication to our Order and awarded the AHEPA Heroes Medal to Brother Peter Fellios of Chapter 505, and Brother Constantino (Dino) Gougoulas of Chapter 223. From San Diego, the group traveled to Los Angeles, where they were able to visit with Hesperia Chapter 152 and meet with the Brothers in that Chapter. After a productive meeting, the Chapter hosted the leadership delegation for dinner. This visitation of some District 20 Chapters marked the beginning of the Supreme President's Western Regional visitation schedule and culminated in the AHEPA National Western Regional Golf Tournament, held in Scottsdale, Arizona.

AHEPA Senior Living Cuts Ribbon on 72 New Affordable Apartments in South Bend AHEPA Senior Living commemorated the official opening of AHEPA 100 Phase II Apartments, a 72-unit community of affordable senior housing in South Bend, with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 17, 2026, announced Chairman of the Board Ike Gulas, PSP. Located at 53881 Generations Drive, the three-story, $20.5 million development provides quality, affordable homes for very low-income seniors aged 62 and over through a partnership with HUD’s Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program. Residents began moving into their new homes in December 2025. “We’re incredibly proud to open our second community in South Bend and expand our footprint in Michiana,” Gulas said. “This beautiful new community represents our commitment to helping more seniors age with dignity, independence, and support. With growing demand and long waitlists, this opening is timely and vital.” “We look forward to welcoming residents home and continuing to build a strong sense of community here,” Panos Niarchos, AHEPA 100-II, Inc. Board of Directors president, and Winona Lake resident, said. Read Full Release

AHEPA Senior Living Names Jeff Thomasson Chief Financial Officer FISHERS, IND. (April 27, 2026) — AHEPA Senior Living today announced the appointment of Jeff Thomasson as Chief Financial Officer.  In his role, Thomasson oversees AHEPA Senior Living’s financial strategy, accounting, IT, and reporting functions across its enterprise, including its Hellenic Senior Living assisted living brand, to support continued growth and long-term sustainability. “Jeff brings a strong financial background and a practical, solutions-oriented approach,” Chairman of the Board Ike Gulas, PSP said. “His experience strengthening financial systems and supporting operations, especially in the nonprofit space, will be an asset as we continue to expand our mission.” Read Full Release

Paid Internship Opportunity for Active Sons of Pericles & Maids of Athena AHEPA Senior Living is thrilled to announce the launch of our Internship Program, designed to offer hands-on experience, professional development, and a chance to obtain some real-world experience working with our senior residents at AHEPA Senior Living and Hellenic Senior Living in Indianapolis, IN. This opportunity is for the Maids of Athena and Sons of Pericles. Whether a current college student looking to gain real-world experience or a recent graduate ready to launch your career, this is a chance to dive into meaningful projects, build your knowledge, and make a real impact Download Details and Application Instructions

Supreme President E. Chris Kaitson Announces Recent Philanthropic Endeavors

AHEPA Supreme President E. Chris Kaitson is proud to announce AHEPA’s most recent philanthropic endeavors – a contribution in excess of €138,000 to the AHEPA University Hospital in Thessaloniki, Greece for the purchase of a new MRI machine, and allocations from the AHEPA Emergency Funds to various institutions across Greece under reconstruction following natural disasters last year. The MRI funds, released by the AHEPA Board of Trustees, are part of AHEPA’s continued financial contributions to the AHEPA Hospital, a major 680-bed tertiary teaching hospital that serves thousands of patients annually. In desperate need of modernization, this gift comes courtesy of the Nancy Horton Estate, entrusted to AHEPA National Headquarters, which will help patients served by the hospital for years to come. Read the Full Release

Publications Deadline One Day Away!

The AHEPA Publications committee is now accepting submissions for the annual publications competition, in which District or Chapter publications (newsletters etc.) are eligible to win awards at the 2026 AHEPA Supreme Convention in Philadelphia, PA. If your Chapter or District wishes to have a publication considered, please contact committee chair John Melonopoulos via email to john.melonopoulos@comcast.net in order to request a questionnaire. The deadline for competition submissions is April 30, 2026. Applicants must submit two copies of their publication with a properly completed questionnaire.

2026 AHEPA Congressional Banquet Sold Out!

AHEPA Global Headquarters is pleased to announce that our 2026 Congressional Banquet at the Mayflower Hotel on May 13, 2026, is sold out! We expect this monumental biennial event to be one to remember! Please find sponsorship opportunities linked below, and if you have any additional questions about the banquet and any potential availability, please contact AHEPA Executive Director Basil Mossaidis directly by emailing basil@ahepa.org.

Click Here to Become a Sponsor

Attention all Aspiring Lawyers!

AHEPA’s National Parthenon Committee Invites all Sons of Pericles and all Maids of Athena to participate in the (Mock) Trial of a Lifetime at the AHEPA 104th Annual Supreme Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 26 – 31, 2026. THE PARTIES: The Hellenic Republic of Greece v. The British Museum and the United Kingdom THE CASE: Who Owns the Parthenon Sculptures? AHEPA will provide the Courtroom, the witnesses, and the judge - YOU try the case! Email completed applications to AHEPA’s National Parthenon Committee Chairman Michael J. Reppas II, Esq., LL.M.